Tour Review - - People in Glass Houses

People in Glass Houses

By Jayne Castle

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 7, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

His name is Joshua Knight. Once a respected explorer, the press now calls him the Tarnished Knight. He took the fall for a disaster in the Underworld that destroyed his career. The devastating event occurred in the newly discovered sector known as Glass House—a maze of crystal that is rumored to conceal powerful Alien antiquities. The rest of the Hollister Expedition team disappeared and are presumed dead.

Whatever happened down in the tunnels scrambled Josh’s psychic senses and his memories, but he’s determined to uncover the truth. Labeled delusional and paranoid, he retreats to an abandoned mansion in the desert, a house filled with mirrors. Now a recluse, Josh spends his days trying to discover the secrets in the looking glasses that cover the walls. He knows he is running out of time.

Talented, ambitious crystal artist Molly Griffin is shocked to learn that the Tarnished Knight has been located. She drops everything and heads for the mansion to find Josh, confident she can help him regain control of his shattered senses. She has no choice—he is the key to finding her sister, Leona, a member of the vanished expedition team. Josh reluctantly allows her to stay one night but there are two rules: she must not go down into the basement, and she must not uncover the mirrors that have been draped.

But her only hope for finding her sister is to break the rules…

PJ's Thoughts:

If Jayne Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle/Amanda Quick (she's all three) ever writes a book I'm able to put down before reaching the end, I'll probably fall over in shock. It doesn't matter if they're set in the past, the present, or the future, they are all compelling, addictive, and keep me compulsively reading way past my bedtime. People in Glass Houses is the newest entry in what is a very long list of books that would not only fill a keeper shelf of their own in my library, they would fill the whole dang bookcase. 

Molly and Joshua drew me into their story and kept me riveted through a series of surprises, twists, breath-stealing danger (haunted houses, anyone?), and endearing romance right up until the final scene. I loved them, had the best time tagging along on their adventures, and am already eagerly anticipating Molly's sister, Leona's story next. 

This is the seventeenth novel set on the planet of Harmony, far into the future, but don't let that scare you off. First, Harmony was originally populated by citizens of Earth when a curtain opened between the planets (then suddenly and inexplicably closed). Characters have developed advanced psychic and crystal using skills but they're descended from Earth's explorers, not aliens. Each book is written in such a way that you really can start anywhere and not feel lost or confused. Having said that, however, don't be surprised if once you experience any of these stories you immediately want to read more. The characters are relatable, the suspense threads are tightly constructed, the unique qualities of Harmony are fascinating (it really is a character in itself), and the dust bunnies are beyond adorable. Also dangerous when necessary. Or hungry. It's part of their charm. 

If you're a Krentz/Castle/Quick fan, add this one to your summer reading list. If you're new to the author, People in Glass Houses is a great place to jump in. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.